UFC Fight Night: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youseff Zalal Full Card Picks & Predictions

I won’t be shocked if Zalal is able to secure what would be a massive win, but I can’t pick against Sterling here given that he represents a pretty big step up in competition.

(Pick: Sterling)

Norma Dumont vs. Joselyne Edwards

This would be a fairly clear number one contender fight if we weren’t still waiting on Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, and I think Dumont will be the one to extend her winning run in Las Vegas.

(Pick: Dumont)

Rafa Garcia vs. Alexander Hernandez

I expect that Garcia will challenge Hernandez more than he might be expecting, but the American has the power advantage and isn’t going to get outwrestled here.

(Pick: Hernandez)

Davey Grant vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti

Perennially underrated, Grant is capable of spoiling both Martinetti’s UFC debut and his 15-fight win streak.

(Pick: Grant)

Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos

It’s been great seeing an underrated veteran like Barcelos put together a four-fight win streak at this late stage of his career, but Jackson’s power could be the difference here.

(Pick: Jackson)

Marcus Buchecha vs. Ryan Spann

This should be Spann’s fight if he just keeps things standing, but I have a feeling that he’s going to find himself tangled up with Buchecha at some point.

(Pick: Buchecha)

UFC Vegas 116 Preliminary Card Predictions

Rodolfo Viera vs. Eric McConico

Viera is unlikely to score a knockout like in McConico’s previous two UFC losses, but he should be able to put on a dominant display here if he can bring things to the mat.

(Pick: Viera)

Sedriques Dumas vs. Jackson McVey

Both of these middleweights are likely fighting for their jobs in Las Vegas, and I’ll side with McVey to find a stoppage and secure his first UFC victory.

(Pick: McVey)

Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Michelle Montague

It’s difficult to trust Bueno Silva here given her recent run of results, but I also don’t think that Montague should be as heavily-favored as she currently is.

(Pick: Bueno Silva)

Jafel Filho vs. Cody Durden

Durden is always game, but this is a tough matchup for a fighter that’s already suffered four-straight losses.

(Pick: Durden)

Francis Marshall vs. Lucas Brennan

Brennan was a bit of surprise signing for the UFC, and I’ll side with the Bellator veteran to pull off an upset here in his promotional debut.

(Pick: Brennan)

Max Griffin vs. Victor Valenzuela

A loss here could spell the end of the Griffin’s UFC career, and I think the veteran can spoil Valenzuela’s promotional debut if he avoids eating too many big shots.

(Pick: Griffin)

Talita Alencar vs. Julia Polastri

Polastri is the more experienced fighter here and should definitely be favored, but I think her trend of alternating wins and losses will continue when she squares off with Alencar.

(Pick: Alencar)

MMA KO has been providing comprehensive coverage for UFC Vegas 116 all throughout fight week, and be sure to check back with us later today for live results and highlights from all the action.